Isotopes Bats Chilled In Windy Home Opener
Published on April 12, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
In a Home Opener that had a familiar ring to it, the Albuquerque Isotopes (3-4), fell to the Oklahoma RedHawks (7-2), their exact same opponent five years to the day after Isotopes Park's inaugural game, 6-3 on a blustery evening at The Lab. Tagg Bozied collected three hits for the 'Topes, including a homer, while Andrew Beattie belted a pair of doubles.
Oklahoma speedster German Duran started the RedHawks hit parade in the top of the first, when he hit a scorching line drive to right-center field that allowed him to scamper all the way to third with a triple. Duran would score on the next play on a Nelson Cruz ground out to the second, giving the RedHawks the early 1-0 lead.
The 'Topes retaliated in the bottom of the first when Beattie led-off with a double to left-center field, before advancing on a fly out by Alexis Gomez, and scoring on a single by Brett Carroll to tie the score at 1-1.
Albuquerque would take its only lead of the game in the bottom of the second when first baseman Bozied hit a towering home run over the left field fence, producing a 2-1 advantage.
Oklahoma shortstop Dan Meyer led off the top of the third inning with a single, but it was a key error by 'Topes second baseman Beattie on a fielder's choice by Jason Ellison that gave the RedHawks an opportunity to capitalize. Following the error, Oklahoma added three additional singles and a sacrifice fly plating four in the frame to give the 'Hawks a three run lead, 5-2.
Albuquerque added another run in the bottom of the fourth inning when designated hitter Lee Mitchell reached on a single past the third baseman. Chris Barnwell added a double advancing the 'Topes designated hitter to third before Mitchell scored on a Beattie groundout to the right side to trim the lead to 5-3.
Isotopes starter Bobby Keppel's (0-1) night was finished after working only 4.2 innings as the RedHawks knocked in their final run in the fifth on a solo home run by Texas Rangers top prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia into the right field berm.
The 'Topes did knock out Oklahoma starting pitcher Sidney Ponson in the third inning after the RedHawks hurler was hit in the throwing arm by a Bozied line drive single. Kameron Loe (1-0) came on in relief and threw 2.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits and walk to secure the victory while reliever Frank Francisco (2) secured the save with two scoreless frames to end the game.
Albuquerque will face Oklahoma again tomorrow for the second game of a four game Home Opening set. The first 3,000 fans entering Isotopes Park will receive an Isotopes T-Shirt courtesy of Defined Fitness, while on Sunday, the first 3,000 fans will get Schedule Magnets courtesy of Comcast. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 12, 2008
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- Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Sidewinders Losing Streak Reaches Eight - Tucson Sidewinders
- Isotopes Bats Chilled In Windy Home Opener - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Grizzlies, Leone, Rally For Five In Ninth To Win Home Opener - Fresno Grizzlies
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